C15 Enter the Top Twenty

Since the first day of the Trial Assembly was set to determine the top 40 competitors, the schedule was incredibly tight.

Each ring hosted ten competitors, with each one facing off against the other nine.

The one with the most victories would claim first place. In the event of a tie, head-to-head results would break the deadlock.

The top two would advance to the second day's competition for the top 40 spots.

By lunchtime, when the matches paused, Yang Ying had already secured five wins. His toughest opponent thus far had only reached the eighth level of Qi Refining.

While that level was respectable among Outer Sect disciples, they were no match for Yang Ying, who dispatched them with ease.

The afternoon brought more bouts.

Yang Ying's first post-lunch opponent was Wang Wenguang, a practitioner of the eighth level of body tempering, well-known among the Outer Sect for his martial prowess.

Stepping into the ring, Wang Wenguang addressed Yang Ying, "Your swordplay is quick, but it's no match for my iron shirt defense. You might as well concede."

With that, he activated his iron shirt technique and stood firm at the ring's center.

Yang Ying, momentarily taken aback, soon chuckled. "I have more than just one move up my sleeve!"

Without further ado, he unleashed the Gale Sword Arts' most formidable technique, "Wind Chaser," his figure flickering before a flash of his sword left a gash across Wang Wenguang's chest.

Clutching his wound, Wang Wenguang's face was etched with disbelief. "That's the Gale Sword Arts, isn't it? But how can it be so powerful?"

Inspecting his chest, he mused, "Has your Gale Sword Arts reached the pinnacle of Great Completion?"

Yang Ying gave a slight nod, "Farewell!"

Still in shock, Wang Wenguang exited the ring, while the competition marched on.

In the final match of the day, Wei Xiujie took to the ring. He called out to Yang Ying, "You're Junior Brother Yang, correct? It's our turn now, so step up quickly!"

Yang Ying stepped onto the platform and greeted Wei Xiujie, "Senior Brother Wei, my respects to you!"

Wei Xiujie responded with a bow, "I notice you practice the fast sword as well! It's our turn at last. Let's see whose sword is swifter, your Gale Fast Sword or my Swift Wind Sword!"

Yang Ying smiled in agreement, "That's exactly what I was thinking. After watching your first match, I've been eager for a chance to spar with you!"

Simultaneously, they unsheathed their swords. Yang Ying executed a Swift Whisper, thrusting his sword at Wei Xiujie. Not to be outdone, Wei Xiujie unleashed Wind Blowing Into the Night, his sword appearing abruptly before Yang Ying as if vanishing into thin air.

Their swords met mid-air, and both fighters recoiled before surging forward once more.

In a flash, two exchanges had passed. Yang Ying unleashed the Wind Chaser.

This final technique of the Gale Sword Arts was not only formidable but also represented the pinnacle of speed within the style.

In a moment, Sword Qi crisscrossed the arena. As it cleared, Wei Xiujie stood erect in the center, his sword's tip touching the ground, a ribbon of blood dripping from his right hand.

"I'm defeated, Senior Brother Yang. Your swordsmanship is truly swift!" Wei Xiujie pressed his hand against the wound.

"I've dedicated day and night to perfecting the Wind Sword technique to the peak of Great Completion, yet I've been bested by your blade! Have you mastered the Gale Sword Arts to the Perfection Stage?"

Yang Ying addressed Wei Xiujie, "Senior Brother Wei, victory was mine by a stroke of luck! Your fast sword is formidable indeed! This duel has been incredibly instructive for me!"

"May you claim the top spot in the competition!" Wei Xiujie gestured to Yang Ying before turning to depart.

The audience below then came to a realization: "Today we've witnessed a clash between sword techniques of the Perfection Stage and the Great Completion Stage!"

"Indeed, the moves were so rapid, I barely caught them before the match was over!"

"Senior Brother Wei, ranked 18th among the elite, has been defeated!"

"Who is this Senior Brother Yang?"

A spectator exclaimed, "That's the guy from the Law Enforcement Team's wind trial last month!"

"Ah, so it's Senior Brother Yang. I had no idea his strength had soared so much!"

The crowd buzzed with their opinions.

Finally, the referee declared:

"In the number 8 arena, first place goes to Yang Ying with nine victories and no defeats.

Second place is awarded to Wei Xiujie with eight wins and one loss.

Both will advance to tomorrow's competition, narrowing the field from forty to twenty."

When Wang Mingxuan heard of Yang Ying's triumph in the arena, he couldn't help but cheer, "Senior Brother Yang, you're incredible!"

The next day dawned, and the battle for the top twenty commenced as planned.

Wang Mingxuan, eager and full of anticipation, escorted Yang Ying to the competition grounds early. Together, they strolled through the bustling marketplace adjacent to the arena.

With the Trial Assembly spanning three days, numerous vendors had set up shop on the grounds next to the Martial Arts Practice Field. Wang Mingxuan had hoped to snag some bargains at the stalls, but his inability to discern true gems from mere trinkets forced him to abandon the idea in resignation.

The matches kicked off. Yang Ying faced off against the runner-up from the 13th arena, a young swordsman named Yi Xinran, who stood poised with his blade on the platform.

Yang Ying greeted him with a respectful fist-and-palm salute, "Senior Brother Yi!"

Yi Xinran returned the gesture, "Senior Brother Yang!"

With the pleasantries exchanged, both swordsmen drew their weapons. Yang Ying executed a Swift Whisper, his blade reaching Yi Xinran in a blink. Yi Xinran responded with a swift parry.

But Yang Ying's sword surged upwards too quickly for a block. Yi Xinran, reacting on instinct, sidestepped with his movement technique.

Observing Yi Xinran's evasion, Yang Ying employed the Soaring Movement Arts, reappearing in an instant at Yi Xinran's side.

Yi Xinran caught a glimpse of the sword light aiming for him. It was too late to muster a defense; the sword light was unstoppable. Yet, it halted abruptly before Yi Xinran's throat.

Yang Ying then sheathed his sword and offered a courteous apology, "Senior Brother Yi, forgive my boldness!"

Yi Xinran conceded with a sigh, "Senior Brother Yang, your swordsmanship is superior! I admit defeat."

"It was a fortunate victory," Yang Ying replied with a smile, offering a respectful hand gesture.

Yi Xinran returned the gesture, saying, "There's no need for such humility, Senior Brother Yang!"

With that, Yi Xinran made his way down from the platform. Yang Ying gave a wave to the audience before descending himself.

It was then that applause broke out from the spectators: "Go, Senior Brother Yang!"

"Senior Brother Yang has triumphed once more!"

"Senior Brother Yang must be the quickest striker in the Outer Sect!"